Grand Circle Road Trip Itinerary: 9 National Parks in 15 Days
Why the Grand Circle Belongs on Your Bucket List
Few journeys pack more scenery and history into a single loop. The Grand Circle links nine national parks across five states, plus a national monument and culture rich towns, in a route of well over 1,500 miles. Start and finish in Las Vegas for easy flights, then follow this day by day plan that balances classic sights with smart drive times.
Route Overview at a Glance
Start and end: Las Vegas, Nevada
States: Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona
Parks on this route: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon
ey cultural stops: Navajo Nation, Four Corners National Monument
Day 1–2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park, Utah
Pick up your rental car in Las Vegas and drive about three hours to Utah’s first national park. Zion delivers red sandstone cliffs, cottonwood lined river bends, and famous slot canyons. Spend a full day on signature routes like the Zion Narrows, a river hike through a towering gorge, and the Emerald Pools, where waterfalls feed hanging gardens.
Day 3–4: Bryce Canyon, then Capitol Reef
It is under two hours to Bryce Canyon, a perfect place to catch sunrise or sunset light over the amphitheater of crimson hoodoos. Walk the Rim Trail for sweeping views, then continue about two hours to Capitol Reef. Give Capitol Reef at least a day for its Waterpocket Fold, the long wrinkle in the earth that frames highlights like Chimney Rock, Hickman Bridge, and pale sandstone domes. If time allows, venture to Cathedral Valley for monoliths and big sky vistas.
Day 5–6: Base in Moab, Utah
From Capitol Reef, drive about two hours to Moab, a lively hub for mountain biking, rafting, and Jeep tours. Take a day to enjoy town, then use Moab as your base for the next two parks, both within easy reach.
Day 7: Arches National Park
Arches sits less than 10 minutes from downtown. This compact park holds more than 2,000 sandstone arches. Hike to Delicate Arch for the classic view, and add Landscape Arch to marvel at a span that is long and remarkably thin.
Day 8: Canyonlands National Park
About 30 minutes from Moab, Canyonlands spreads out in districts. See rock pinnacles in the Needles and drive to Island in the Sky, a flat topped mesa rimmed with overlooks that scan a maze of canyons. Watch for Native rock art panels along the way.
Day 9–10: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado, then Telluride
Make the trip east, a long segment that carries you out of Utah and into Colorado, then continue about two more hours to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Explore the South Rim Road and its viewpoints, detour down East Portal Road to the river, and do not miss the striped face of the Painted Wall. After your canyon day, drive about 1.5 hours to Telluride for a relaxing evening, waterfall hikes, and a free gondola ride with mountain views.
Day 11–12: Mesa Verde and Four Corners
It is about 1.5 hours from Telluride to Mesa Verde. This park protects remarkably preserved ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the vast Cliff Palace. Drive the Mesa Top Loop for overlooks and archeological sites, or join a ranger led walk inside select dwellings when available. Leaving Mesa Verde, you will pass through the Ute Mountain Reservation, then enter the Navajo Nation to visit Four Corners National Monument, where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona meet. From Four Corners, continue toward Arizona.
Day 13: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Plan a quieter day in Petrified Forest. Walk short trails among multicolored petrified logs, stop at Newspaper Rock to see petroglyphs, and explore the ruins of Puerco Pueblo. The Painted Desert viewpoints add Badlands style color to the drive.
Day 14: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim
Drive about three hours northwest to the South Rim, the final park. Take in classic overlooks such as Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station. If you want to stretch your legs, start down the Bright Angel Trail for canyon views, then turn around at a comfortable point.
Day 15: Return to Las Vegas
The drive from the South Rim to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas takes roughly 4.5 hours. Leave early, return your car, and fly home with a camera full of sandstone sunsets and canyon horizons.
Practical Tips for the Loop
Book accommodations early, park towns fill fast in peak seasons.
Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and a light layer, weather changes quickly.
Check park alerts and hours in advance, some areas have limited access or timed entries.
Build cushion time for scenic stops, you will want to pull over often.
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